Wander China - Suzhou & Hangzhou

Author: Gao Yun, Zhang Runsheng (Editor-in-Chief)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-02-01
Features: The 2006 edition of the "China on Foot" series is now available! Here, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the friends who have helped and supported "China on Foot"! During the early planning stages of the "China on Foot" series, friends like Wang Jingsong and He Jiayuan participated and offered many insightful suggestions. In the early stages of the series' design and layout planning, Ms. Zuo Xiaorong and Ms. Wang Queli poured a significant amount of effort into it! Thank you!
During the actual creation process of "China on Foot," countless challenges were encountered. To provide readers with ample visual travel information, the authors of "China on Foot" traveled extensively to survey attractions and routes, enduring hardships like rough meals, exposure to the elements, and long journeys lasting months at a time. The hardships they faced are unimaginable. The text editors and designers of the "China on Foot" editorial team often worked tirelessly, with little rest. Without your hard work, "China on Foot" would not have been completed on schedule! Thank you—Meng Hui, Xu Yuan, Liu Xiaoning, Zhao Jianyi, Liang Jie, Han Jingjing, He Xinyi, Xue Xue, Wang Xuesong, Qu Ming!
Creating a travel book that is primarily visual, supported by fresh and practical travel information, and rich in the sense of exploration has always been my ideal. I believe that in modern society, where everyone craves travel, a truly authentic travel book will undoubtedly be well-received. If you have any suggestions, please visit our website—http://www.chinaonfoot.com—to send us an email or letter!
I am deeply grateful to my parents, Professor Gao Yaohua (Director of the U.S.-China Cultural Exchange Center) and Ms. Chen Xianqiong, as well as internationally renowned artist Wang Jingsong, Ph.D. student Fu Aimin from Minzu University of China, Liu Kewu from the Retired Cadres Department of the China Aviation Academy, Dr. Donald Woods and Mrs. Charlene Woods of the Swiss International School in Hong Kong, and of course, my wife, Cheng Yanbin, for their unwavering support!
—Gao Yun’s flowing prose allows you to fully enjoy the joy of reading. Designed in an international best-selling handbook format, it is specifically tailored to fit your pocket for easy access, with ample space and comprehensive information. The book features a wealth of newly shot images, providing you with the freshest visual insights. Pioneering in Chinese travel books, its detailed illustrated index makes it easy and quick to find the information you need. All the attractions, hotels, and restaurants introduced in the book are clearly marked in the maps, making it convenient for you to use and helping you always know your location.
Professional and thoughtful route designs are provided for your reference. The book compiles a rich collection of regional cultures, allowing you to understand the essence of a place beyond the surface. The newly compiled information helps you plan your time accurately and save money.
The book features a wealth of newly shot images, providing you with the freshest visual insights. Pioneering in Chinese travel books, its detailed illustrated index makes it easy and quick to find the information you need. All the attractions, hotels, and restaurants introduced in the book are clearly marked in the maps, making it convenient for you to use and helping you always know your location.
The term "China on Foot" does not mean traveling alone. Rather, it emphasizes that your journey must be personal—regardless of how famous or acclaimed a destination may be, your travel must hold meaning and value for you. This is the philosophy of "China on Foot." We never suggest following a fixed travel pattern. The rushed, superficial experiences in enclosed, developed attractions are merely a form of consumption.
However, it is true that everyone has some responsibilities that may be more important than travel, and not everyone has the time or ability to explore the "weeds" and "rocks" of the road. Therefore, we need "roaming knights" to pave the way for us. For Europeans, Marco Polo was their roaming knight to understand China. For Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Zhang Qian was his roaming knight to explore beyond the Western Regions of China. Xu Xiake was our role model, dedicating his life to collecting the "weeds" and "rocks" of the road. And we—"China on Foot"—will become your roaming knight, and help you become your own.